Not All Apps Are Created Equal. The key to a seamless app-building experience is to dig deep, ask questions and examine all variables at the onset.

Transcription

1 Not All Apps Are Created Equal The key to a seamless app-building experience is to dig deep, ask questions and examine all variables at the onset.

2 Imagine you live ten blocks from work and are driving a Rolls-Royce or taking public transportation for your daily commute. You ll get gloating rights from Rolls and not much else. The bus is a significantly cheaper and economically sound option. If reduced costs and smart investments are your priority, public transportation is the superior choice. We employ similar reasoning when strategizing how to build apps.

3 A deep dive into your priorities and objectives may reveal a more cost-efficient tool that meets your needs. To help show the difference between six tools, we ve outlined six fictional scenarios using four criteria: Who What Where How is the intended audience? (i.e., internal staff vs. external consumers) must the app do? (i.e., sales presentation vs. case study) will it need to work? (i.e., iphone vs. e-reader) much custom functionality does it require? (i.e., graphics and videos vs. a few external links) RIDE ON READ ON

4 Overview Mobile Apps Web Apps Interactive Docs and Digital Publication Apps Apps that can be used offline and must be downloaded to a device: + + Native App Development + + PhoneGap + + Digital Publishing Apps that must be used online and do not have to be downloaded to a device: + + HTML/JavaScript Downloadable documents (not apps) that can be used offline and are typically cheaper than mobile apps: + + epubs + + Interactive PDFs

5 Native App Development Scenario WHO + + Patients, parents, caregivers WHAT InstaTracker will launch a kid-friendly glucose app, giving patients, parents and providers glucose updates in real time. The app is highly interactive filled with intricate animations, videos and games. WHERE + + iphone and Android HOW MUCH CUSTOM FUNCTIONALITY Solution While costlier and more time intensive, native app development is great for interactive, animationintensive apps like InstaTracker. MORE INFO Native apps are coded using tools and languages specific to their operating system: ios (Objective-C with Xcode) and Android (Java with Eclipse). + + Separate code for each operating system (i.e., ios, Android, Windows) + + Can be customized for different operating systems LOW MEDIUM HIGH + + Generally, requires multiple developers and is most expensive + + Smooth transitions for animation intensive apps

6 PhoneGap Apps Scenario WHO + + Expectant moms WHAT Faced with an expedited timeline, Healthy Start will launch a nutrition-based maternal program that helps expectant moms: + + Create a custom dietary plan (i.e., gluten-free, vegetarian) Solution PhoneGap uses one code base for multiple devices. That means faster development time, which suits Healthy Start s expedited timeline. It also enables users to take advantage of functions on their mobile device, like camera or Monitor their caloric intake and interact with caregivers MORE INFO WHERE + + iphone and Android HOW MUCH CUSTOM FUNCTIONALITY PhoneGap apps are coded as a website but packaged like an app, so users can still access mobile functions: camera, , etc. + + Open source (no license fee) + + One code base for all platforms (ios, Android, Windows) + + Compared to native apps, generally faster development time LOW MEDIUM HIGH + + Use web languages (i.e., HTML, JavaScript, CSS)

7 Digital Publishing Scenario WHO + + Sales force WHAT Stellar Charts created Take 10 a new charting software that captures critical reimbursement information. Tasked with introducing the software to prospective clients, the sales force needs a presentation-focused tool. WHERE + + Corporate devices (ipad) HOW MUCH CUSTOM FUNCTIONALITY Solution Digital publishing is designed for presentation-oriented content and can be used offline, which is great for the Stellar Charts sales force. MORE INFO Digital Publishing apps are created in InDesign using a thirdparty system (Twixl, Aquafadas, AppStudio, Mag+, In5). + + Third-party license fee + + Fast development + + Great for interactive, presentation-oriented content + + Require files for specific platforms (ios, Android, BlackBerry) LOW MEDIUM HIGH + + Limited custom functionality

8 HTML / JavaScript Scenario WHO + + Website visitors WHAT Clean Teeth created an interactive program to guide parents and kids through the basics of good dental hygiene. The program includes: animations, quizzes, games, videos. WHERE + + Any device with web access HOW MUCH CUSTOM FUNCTIONALITY Solution Clean Teeth would like consumers to visit its website, and the web app is accessed like a website. MORE INFO Web apps are built using HTML/JavaScript and are accessed like a website, using a web browser. Once bookmarked, they look like apps. + + Limited offline access + + Work on all devices + + Very customizable LOW MEDIUM HIGH

9 epub Scenario WHO + + Sales force WHAT Heart on My Wrist released a new wearable for women: a monitor for heart health. The sales force would like an interactive, offline tool to showcase the new wearable. Solution epubs are consumed via a variety of devices with e-readers and compared to PDFs read better on mobile devices. If necessary, epubs can be viewed offline. WHERE + + Devices with an e-reader (ibooks, Google Play Books, Cool Reader, etc.) HOW MUCH CUSTOM FUNCTIONALITY MORE INFO epubs can contain links, bookmarks, audio, video and interactivity a great solution for digital brochures. + + Various design options + + Downloaded from itunes, Play and Kindle LOW MEDIUM HIGH

10 Interactive PDF Scenario WHO + + Sales force WHAT Runner s Alliance is unveiling a new product: The Impala running shoe. They d like to give the sales force an easy way to share product features and benefits with prospects. WHERE + + Desktops and devices with Adobe Acrobat HOW MUCH CUSTOM FUNCTIONALITY Solution Interactive PDFs work well on desktops or devices with Adobe Acrobat, and if necessary can be viewed offline. MORE INFO Interactive PDFs can contain animations, forms and embedded media a great solution for visuals with transitions. + + Quick to create + + Easy to distribute by sending PDF LOW MEDIUM HIGH

11 After identifying your app criteria, you may find that a less expensive tool satisfies your needs. From a cost perspective, here are how the tools typically compare: Interactive PDF epub HTML / JavaScript Digital Publishing PhoneGap Native App Development

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